Friday Foreplay – Gameweek 37

May 3, 2012 ★

Rooney returns to the captain picks this Gameweek with a home game against Swansea.

With only two games left in the season, it’s squeaky bum time for Fantasy managers. Whether you’re battling it out for the mini-league title or striving for the highest spot overall, the last few captain picks could make all the difference.

Captain Picks

Rooney: In the slim chance the title will come down to goal difference, United must push for a goal-fest against Swansea. Ferguson is likely to go for an attacking lineup of Rooney and Hernandez upfront (Welbeck is out injured), likely flanked by Valencia and Young. Both wingers provide excellent supply and Rooney will have chances for a goal glut. Expect United to win by some margin which could mean handsome returns for Fantasy managers willing to captain Rooney.

Van Persie: Norwich’s season is over and Arsenal must win to secure their third place spot. The battle for third became important when Chelsea advanced to the Champions League final because if they win they automatically qualify for next season’s competition. That means that there is a good possibility that the fourth place spot will be a ticket to the dreaded Europa League instead. This means Arsenal will be pushing and if there are goals, expect Van Persie to be involved.

Jelavic: With Cisse playing against the solid Manchester City defence, I’ve picked Jelavic as the third captain’s choice of the week. Everton are away against the relegated Wolves. Despite a semblance of fightback last Gameweek, Wolves still let in four goals. Jelavic is red hot and will get chances. If his current form is anything to go by, he’ll take his chances.

Big Hitters

Valencia was omitted from the starting lineup for Manchester United against Manchester City. United missed his power and I believe Ferguson will put him straight back in the starting eleven against Swansea. Expect assists for Rooney.

Pienaar has averaged 9.8 points per Gameweek for the last five Gameweeks and has been instrumental in Everton’s attacking game since his return on loan from Tottenham. Facing a defensively poor Wolves he will get chances for both goals and assists.

Wigan has defied expectations with wins against Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle in three of their last four games. A big part of their revival has been the form of young winger Moses whose dribbling and speed is hard to deal with for opposing right backs. A brace and three bonus points against Newcastle last Gameweek returned the highest Fantasy points total of the season for Moses and he should be raring to go against Blackburn.

It’s do or die time for QPR. They must win against Stoke City, whose season is all but over. Djibril Cisse’s season has been eventful as witnessed by four goals and two red cards in six games for the Hoops. He scored on his return in the horrible 6 – 1 loss against Chelsea which means he has scored in all of his games that he hasn’t been sent off.

Fulham faces another team that has nothing to compete for in Sunderland. Dempsey could add to his impressive sixteen goals and seven assists this season.

Tottenham finally found their form again with two wins last Gameweek. Both Bale and Van der Vaart played a big part in the revival with goals and assists. Despite facing Aston Villa, a team playing for Premiership survival, Aston Villa’s dreadful form and the importance of the game for Tottenham points to a comfortable win for Redknapp’s team.

Despite playing the formidable Manchester City team, Cisse’s brilliant performances since joining Newcastle just can’t be ignored. He scored a brace away against Chelsea and will give Kompany and Lescott one of their toughest test this season.

Clean Sheets

Arsenal’s home game against Norwich looks likely to return clean sheet points. In addition to the clean sheet potential, Vermaelen also an provides and attacking threat, especially from set pieces.

With Liverpool’s dreadful home game form, with only five wins in the season so far, Chelsea defenders are enticing this Gameweek. Cole was rested against Newcastle and must play this Gameweek.

Sunderland’s season has faded out in their last games and Fulham will look to take advantage at home. Hangeland is their most expensive defender but a guarantee to play and also provides a goal threat from set-pieces.

Taking a Punt

Adebayor grabbed a brace against Bolton and will get his chances with Aston Villa having enough to think about in Bale, Van der Vaart, and Lennon.

Zamora despite not scoring in his last eight games he will be starting for QPR who must push for a win at home.

Maloney has added to Wigan’s attacking game since returning to the first team in March after having worked on his fitness earlier in the season. He has scored three goals and delivered two assists in eight games.